Fun with Flags

Welcome to Clothing the Gap's 'Fun with Flags'! Here you will find our newest installment in fighting to #FreeTheFlag. We like to stay pretty quirky and have been inspired by the super nerdy TV show 'The Big Bang Theory'. We have adapted Sheldon Cooper's passionate/very awkward webinar 'Fun with Flags'. Meet Dylan, Lena and Pip as they take you on a journey in Vexillology (study of flags) and what this means for the Aboriginal Flag.

Fun with Flags: Episode One

'Copyright' - is it right?

Episode One premiered on Clothing the Gap's Facebook page on Tuesday 24th July at the prime time of 7:00pm.

In this episode we are introduced to Dylan (Wakka Wakka & Latje Latje), Lena (Yorta Yorta & Gunai Kurnai) and Pip the dog. We learn that the super fancy name for people who study flags is 'vexillology'. We are also quick to learn that this episode 'is not fun, but it is important'.

Dylan holds the Aboriginal Flag upside down in a sign of distress as he explains that Aboriginal pride and identity has been held hostage. Why you may ask? Well if you haven't heard already, the Aboriginal Flag is the only flag in the entire world (yes the whole world including all international flags) to have copyright. Weird huh? We thought so too! What this means for Aboriginal people is that they are now having to seek permission to use the flag on clothing or reproduce it digitally. We see Dylan attempt to put his beanie featuring the Aboriginal Flag on. However we must ask if Dylan's beanie was produced following the legal protocols and not in breach of copyright? Sounds absurd, but this is suddenly the reality for Aboriginal people and anyone else that wants to use the iconic symbol.

We know that is not only Aboriginal people who love their flag. People from all around the world share a connection to their own flag and often use it as a symbol of pride for their culture and ethnicity. What the team at Clothing the Gap want to know is: How would the rest of the world feel if their flag had copyright and they had to seek permission to wear it or reproduce it?

So calling out to all our international bruthas & sistas!

Imagine for a moment that you were trying to buy something with your flag on it. Whether it be some clothing, or maybe you wanted a sticker or postcard...anything! First of all, maybe getting permission yourself seems complicated and maybe even costs money you don't have. But what if this process has become complicated for everyone, including businesses and manufactures and they decide to stop replicating the flag on their products? Suddenly your flag is hard to find - it might have even disappeared into history!! What does this mean? How would you feel? Would you feel like your identity and pride is held hostage? Have a think, and feel free to let us know by dropping a comment!